By Aleksi Lepisto in News
Clark College will be expanding to Ridgefield, thanks in part to a $3.1 million land gift to build a new campus just off Interstate 5, according to a press release from Clark College Chief Communications Officer Chato Hazelbaker.
The land gift, from Hank and Bernice Boschma, was combined with a $5.67 million land purchase from the Clark College Foundation in order to provide almost 60 acres for the new location in north county.
According to College President Bob Knight, the decision to expand to Ridgefield was “monumental” for the city.
Funding has not been allocated for the new building, but design and construction has been given the go ahead from the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, according to the press release.
The college is considering leasing the newly acquired property until construction can begin in 2020.
Knight said the 800-1,000 full time equivalent students expected to use the new campus should “lighten the load” by reducing traffic and overfilled buildings on the main campus.
